Tedesco Withdraws From Ashes Tour for Wedding, Knee Treatment

James Tedesco has withdrawn from the Kangaroos’ three‑match Ashes tour to England after telling ARLC chair Peter V’Landys he will be best man at his brother’s wedding and needs stem‑cell treatment on a troublesome left knee that carries a 6–8 week recovery. The 32‑year‑old Sydney Roosters captain and Dally M frontrunner said the family decision was agonising but right as he seeks to prolong his NRL career. NRL physio Brien Seeney said this will be at least Tedesco’s fourth stem‑cell procedure for degenerative cartilage and prior ligament damage, and that injections are intended to reduce inflammation and slow degeneration though evidence is limited. His unavailability hands coach Kevin Walters and selectors the task of replacing a likely starting fullback, with Reece Walsh and Dylan Edwards among the contenders for the No.1 jersey. Tedesco has not ruled out selection for next year’s Rugby League World Cup if he is fit and chosen.